Ukraine Volunteer Responds to Repeated Strikes in Kyiv

A Ukrainian civilian, Kateryna Tereshkova, who volunteers as an emergency response worker, encountered a familiar scene during the latest Russian attacks on Kyiv. She found herself at the same apartment complex that she helped repair just a month prior.

“It’s a strange feeling because you always hope everything will be okay,” Tereshkova, 45, shared. “Usually, attacks happen in one district but on different addresses. This time, it’s exactly the same spot.”

Residents she had met in June greeted her with dark humor. “People say, ‘Ah, we remember you. You fixed my balcony before, but now I don’t have apartments anymore,'” she mentioned. “However, humor remains a core part of our nation’s spirit.”

The recent attacks in Kyiv killed at least 22 people, highlighting weaknesses in Ukraine’s air defenses. Ukraine relies heavily on U.S. Patriot systems to intercept ballistic missiles. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Russia intensified its attacks on Kyiv in retaliation for Ukraine’s long-range strikes.

Tereshkova noted that after responding to strikes barely four days earlier, her team was caught off guard by Monday’s attack. “We just had one and a half days for sleeping,” she explained. “We’re still aiding firefighters addressing the fuel station hit four days ago.”

Previously an executive in Kyiv’s restaurant and nightlife industry, Tereshkova has been volunteering since Russia’s initial invasion in 2014. She fully committed to this work after Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. “It’s an algorithm now, always the same after an attack,” she said.

“The usual help includes cleaning up inside apartments, removing broken windows or doors, and using plastic film and wooden panels. We aim to provide conditions for people to live normally until they receive government assistance to replace windows,” Tereshkova explained.

Despite the strain, Tereshkova remains focused on her mission. Occasionally, she visits one of her former nightclubs to relieve stress but remains steadfast in her dedication. “I feel tired, but somehow, it’s my destiny,” she stated. “I don’t give up. I’m always ready to continue.”

Tereshkova added, “Sometimes, I just need some sleep. After that, I’m ready to go again.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.